Carlton Miniott Primary Academy

Music

Music Intent

We value and teach music at Carlton Miniott Primary Academy because it is a fundamental part of being human, a significant part of the world around us, and an important method of communication and expression. We provide high-quality music education in which children develop a love of music. They also develop confidence, creativity, and a sense of achievement. Children experience the cultural richness that music offers, celebrating the diversity that provides such a wealth subject matter. Children understand that music is used for different occasions and is a key component to life around the world and they are encouraged to incorporate it into their own lives and develop life-long love of music. Children listen and respond to different musical styles, finding their voices as singers and their skills as performers and composers. All will become more confident and reflective musicians.

We aim for children to have experience of listening to, and taking part in a wide range of music and to grow from its many benefits:

the uplifting and unifying feeling that comes with performing music as part of a group
the development of focused listening skills and concentration
the ability to articulate complicated ideas in words, sounds and symbols
the development of fine motor skills and control when playing instruments
the development of control over the use of the voice
the development of social skills such as turn taking, group work and team work
the confidence and fulfilment that comes with achievement and participation in music

Music Implementation

Music is taught for an hour a week in each year group from Reception to Year 6 by the music specialist. Music lessons engage children in singing, listening, playing, performing and evaluating carefully selected musical pieces through activities such as singing, rhythm games and instrumental work. Classroom activities further embed development of music skills and understanding. Children learn the interrelated dimensions of music through their music lessons but also through extra-curricular activities and visiting performers to school. Children use the language of music to discuss it’s features, they understand how it is conceived, performed and recorded. They learn how to play various un-tuned and untuned percussion instruments.

From Year 3, the children have the opportunity to learn an instrument for a term. This ranges from djembe drumming, playing glockenspiels, brass instruments, recorders, Ukuleles and use of keyboards. The children learn to read music notation as they progress through school. Composing or performing using body percussion, vocal sounds and technology is also part of the curriculum.

A weekly singing assembly further develops confidence and an opportunity to join in collective performances. Children also have the opportunity to take part in concerts, shows and performances as well as the learning of instruments.

There are many enrichment activities associated with music in school:

Participation in “Young Voices” children’s concerts
Yearly visits and workshops from live musicians through Sowerby Music
Weekly singing assemblies
Encouragement and support of children learning an instrument as well as opportunity to perform
Choir club takes place each week and the children are given the opportunity to perform to an audience and to share their music making with the local community.
Singing as part of class assemblies, plays, and other celebrations throughout the year such as Christmas

Impact

Children will celebrate their strengths as well as areas they can improve upon. They develop a better understanding of the world and its cultures, and a better connection to each other as well as understanding their own states of emotion. They will enjoy the thrill of performing, develop a love of companionship, supporting each other to achieve a common goal.

Progression

Our Music progression divided into knowledge and skills. The skills are divided into: